CITIES across the US have canceled their July 4 festivities – just weeks after protesters took to the streets demonstrating against Donald Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown.
Firework displays in some locations have been axed while other celebrations have been scaled back.
Last month, Los Angeles saw six days of protests with some rioters clashing with law enforcement.
Since June 6, around 2,000 migrants have been arrested in Los Angeles County as immigration agents executed raids.
National Guard personnel and hundreds of Marines were deployed in a bid to quell the unrest.
Los Angeles officials have since taken the decision to cancel some events across the county and city.
Bell Gardens’ July 4 event has been axed as chiefs decided to cancel all events scheduled between June 24 and July 10.
The concert, starring the Latin music group Gabrielito Y La Verdad, scheduled for July 3 was subsequently axed.
Officials revealed why they took the decision to pull events and said it was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
Chiefs alluded to concerns for the safety of locals, according to an Instagram post.
But, local officials have slammed the immigration raids.
Jorgel Chavez, the Bell Gardens mayor, labeled the raids in California un-American.
He claimed the presence of masked agents sparked fear among some.
The East Los Angeles Rock’in 4th of July celebration will not take place this year.
Officials at the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation alluded to safety concerns.
On social media, they explained the decision to cancel the event was made with a “heavy heart.”
The Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Summer Block Party has also been shelved.
But in a boost to revelers, organizers said the party, which is a free event, will take place later in the summer.
Independence Day celebrations have been toned down in Cudahy, also located in Los Angeles County.
On June 25, city officials canceled a gig and firework show that was scheduled for July 3.
In Cudahy, 97% of the population identify themselves as Latino or Hispanic, according to US Census Bureau data.
It’s not just across Los Angeles County where July 4 festivities have been canceled or watered down.
Independence Day celebrations in SeaTac will not take place this year, or in 2026, as per the city.
The city’s Angle Lake Park will close at 6pm local time.
DRONE DEBACLE
Last year, around 10,000 revelers flocked to the park despite it only having a capacity of 3,200.
And, a drone show that cost $40,000 appeared to turn into a shabby spectacle.
Fifty out of the 200 flying machines fell into the lake, as reported by the local Fox affiliate KCPQ-TV.
However, there will still be firework displays across Washington on Friday.
Revelers will be treated to bursts of color in cities such as Federal Way, Kent, and Seattle.
But, a spectacle that has previously been labeled the largest in Illinois will not take place.
Itasca’s display has been canceled for the first time in almost three decades, as revealed by city officials.
Construction plans in the village had scuppered plans for the annual show.
Officials at the American Automobile Association estimate that 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles away from their home across this week.
“With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends,” Stacey Barber, the vice president of AAA Travel, said.
Transport officials estimate that the hours between 12pm and 7pm are the worst times to travel.
Last month, protests erupted in Los Angeles and other major cities.
The flare-up in violence saw Waymo robotaxis set alight and other motors vandalized.
Almost 5,000 National Guard personnel and Marines combined were deployed to Los Angeles.
Demonstrations against ICE were reported in New York, Austin, Charlotte, and Chicago.
Protests and rallies also occurred in cities such as Memphis, Detroit and Oklahoma City.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/14629077/july-4-celebrations-canceled-ice-raids-protests-arrests/
